Harder Mechanical Contractors started in commercial plumbing and evolved into a mechanical contractor when asked to help build the first hydroelectric dams in the Pacific Northwest. The privately-owned construction firm grew as new industries came into the region due to its abundant water and surplus electrical power. Its services consists of pipe fabrication and installation; equipment installation; commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning; plumbing; instrumentation; and design/build. Harder Mechanical works with the power generation, pulp and paper, steel, aluminum, food and beverage and semiconductor-related companies. James M. Harder Sr. founded Harder Mechanical in 1938. Harder Mechanical Contractors is located in Portland, Ore., and operates a subsidiary, Universal Structural, in Vancouver, Wash.